Disneyland through Rachel's Eyes

Well we're a little behind on our blog posts, so lets see if we can remedy that. Sometimes I feel like I am constantly playing catch up. I have felt this way since we left for Disneyland last month. Every weekend has been jam packed with activities.

From Life with the Bjorks

Anyway, we had a blast at Disneyland last month. It was so much fun to experience it with Rachel. It wasn't just about running from ride to ride trying to hit all our favorites at least two or three times in a single day. This trip was slower and more relaxed. We stayed at the Grand Californian and enjoyed the both Disneyland and California Adventure over two and a half days. It was such an amazing experience to watch Rachel take in everything for the first time. There was so much to take in she barely blinked or napped.

We experienced things we had never taken the time to experience before like Toon Town. Because we stayed on site we got to enter Toon Town an hour early one morning. Entering early made all the difference for Rachel being able to safely walk around and experience the character's homes. While everyone was at the town hall meeting we were able to explore the virtually empty homes of Goofy, Donald, and Chip and Dale. This was perfect for a toddling 13 month old because she had room to explore and fall without big kids running around and over her. Oh, and, did you know Disneyland has a goat petting zoo. I didn't until this trip. Big Thunder Ranch is located on the path between Fantasyland and Frontierland. Rachel enjoyed going from goat to goat petting each one. She loved that the goats just laid there while she petted them. This also wasn't that crowded.

Besides experiencing new places we also went on rides, rides, and more rides. She loved just about every ride we went on. I think her favorites were the Jungle Cruise and the teacups. That girl loves wild rides and animals. She also loved the characters. They were like life sized stuffed animal. It was precious to watch her hug them, pet them, and give them kisses. I think she could have spent hours with each one, but sadly she had to share them with other kids. Sharing can be challenging.

The trip was magical, fun, and virtually stress free. All three of us are ready to go back, maybe with the other grandparents next time?